Sculptures

One of the famous statues in Bodh Gaya is the giant Buddha. It is 64.00 feet high and depicts Buddha seated on a lotus in the meditation pose. It was constructed in seven years with the help of 12,000 workers. It is a mixture of red granite and sandstone blocks. In 1982, the foundation stone for the statue was placed.
The older Sunga period railings of the temple, which are now in the museum, have been carved with scenes depicting Lakshmi, the Hindu/Buddhist goddess of wealth, being bathed by elephants and Surya, the Hindu sun god, riding a chariot drawn by four horses. The later ones have figures of stupas and Garudas (eagles). The image of lotus flowers appear in many places. Other sculptures found here are those of Avalokitesvara (Padmapani, Khasarpana), Vajrapani, Tara, Marichi, Yamantaka, Jambhala and Vajravarahi. Also there are images of Vishnu, Shiva, Surya and other Vedic deities at this site. The pillars are also decorated with elaborate foliate ornaments and small figures as well as stupas.
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